Graduates from normal universities in Hunan province interact with their potential employers at a job fair in Hengyang in March. (Peng Bin/For China Daily)
Editor's note: For many new graduates, moving from school into the workplace can be a massive culture shock. They are going from an environment where everyone has been in the same generational outlook to a sudden diverse social environment with people of all ages and backgrounds present. How can one get over the culture shock? China Daily readers share their suggestions for new grads.
ColinSpeakman (UK)
Get a low-paid but rewarding job. The lowest paying job is an internship. But it can be worth its weight in gold as a stepping stone to a career. If employers are saying to some graduates - the problem is, you have no work experience and they keep saying: the problem is you have no work experience! - then the probability is that: the problem is that you have no work experience! How many times does a graduate need to hear this? If you believe that the work experience will add to your chances, go out and get it. Hey, in a low paid job is better than in an unpaid job! Your first job and first wage does NOT define you for life! See one of my graduate market posts about: the problem of the reserve price of labour. Time passes, things change, need to adjust to realities of the market!
Seneca (Expat in China)
Don't develop a tunnel vision towards MONEY! Be willing to GIVE before you TAKE. Your first job may not pay handsomely; you need to prove to your employer that you are worth the investment he or she has made by hiring you! Show some loyalty and stay; perhaps you can rise in the company's hierarchy!
Here's another tip for those who do not immediately find a dream job: think big. Think ahead. Think outside the box and learn things outside the classroom. Learn a trade, become a self-employed small business operator. You could be the next big competitor to Starbucks, McDonald's or IKEA. But you must do it, not hope that it will just happen...
財神（Nepal）
Most important thing is to be patient in all types of jobs. With your perseverance and discipline you could be succeed. Stay confident in whatever you do. That's my suggestion to the graduates which is mixed with my experiences too.
Futsanglung（U.S.)
Take advantage of your alumni network. No matter the size of your university, take advantage of the connections these groups can offer. Do not be afraid to reach out to successful alumni working in fields that interest you. When doing so, refrain from directly asking alumni to help you find a job. Instead, ask them to share their career stories with you.
teamkrejados (U.S.)
Don't get discouraged too quickly. Many of us will write cover letters for dozens of jobs and not receive any responses. Remember, even the accomplished professionals we admire had to start somewhere.
roninxian(Canada)
Don't think that because you have a diploma that the world or any person owes you anything. You are young, inexperienced, and should be attitude free. The world is harsh and can be unfair and very cruel, learn to deal with it. You as a single graduate are not special, look how many millions of others have the same piece of paper that you have.
